Online Therapy also known as teletherapy, lets you meet with a licensed therapist from the comfort of your home. These services can offer weekly live video sessions as well as asynchronous messaging that works more like email.
Consider your needs and preferences when choosing an online therapist. Some of these platforms allow you to search for therapists by gender, religion, and professional specializations.
Online therapy eliminates many of the barriers to seeking mental health treatment. You don’t have to worry about travel or traffic, finding parking or public transportation, waiting in a session room, paying for child care, or taking time off from work. Sessions take place in the comfort of your own home, which can be more comfortable and less stressful than being at a therapist’s office.
You can find a therapist for online therapy through a number of websites. Some are run by therapists themselves, while others provide an entire platform where you can connect with your therapist and hold video or voice appointments. Many of these platforms also offer the option of email or text-based communication between sessions.
If you choose a therapist through a third-party service, be sure to do your research and check their credentials. It’s important to be able to trust your therapist and feel a connection with them, so don’t be afraid to keep searching until you find someone who feels right for you. It’s also a good idea to look at reviews and testimonials before making your final decision.
One downside of online therapy is that you can’t pick up on non-verbal communication cues, such as body language or empathy. In addition, it can be challenging to convey emotions through text-based communication. During our mystery shopping, we found that some online therapists do not respond to emails in a timely manner, which can be frustrating.
Another consideration is that, while being at home can be more comfortable and convenient, it can also be distracting. Be sure to choose a quiet spot in your house where you can talk to your therapist without being interrupted, and try to limit distractions during your sessions. For example, you may want to ask other family members not to interrupt you or mute your phone or other apps.
Lastly, be aware that you will need to have a computer or smartphone with reliable internet access in order to participate in online therapy. It’s a good idea to run a speed test on your Internet connection to make sure it can handle online video and audio. And be sure to read your preferred online therapist’s privacy policy before committing to a session.
Easier Scheduling
For many people, online therapy offers the convenience of not having to travel to a mental health professional’s office. During an online session, you can connect to your therapist via video, audio, or text. Online therapists typically have a flexible schedule, and they’re available to meet at times that work best for you. You can also access your therapist’s calendar and schedule your sessions from anywhere, using any device with an internet connection.
Online therapy allows you to connect from the comfort of your home, making it more convenient for people with physical limitations or who may feel uncomfortable opening up in person. Some online therapy platforms let you remain anonymous, and some allow you to use a computer instead of a smartphone or tablet to communicate with your therapist.
Another advantage of online therapy is that it can be less expensive than traditional in-person counseling, depending on the therapist’s rate and the platform. In addition, some therapists have completely transitioned to virtual practice and passed the savings on to their clients. During our review process, we looked for therapists with reasonable rates and easy-to-use technology. We also examined whether they accept insurance and if their services are compatible with your mobile devices.
Some online therapy options offer unlimited messaging between live sessions, which can be helpful for articulating difficult emotions and questions in real time. However, it’s important to note that messaging is more like email than a phone call, and you may not receive a response right away. In addition, it can be difficult to gauge body language and emotional cues when communicating over video chat, which can make it hard to build trust with your therapist.
Before you start online therapy, make sure you understand your goals and needs. Have an idea of what you hope to achieve from therapy and what type of care you prefer. It’s also helpful to know what kind of environment you’ll be in during therapy and whether you’re comfortable enough to open up in that setting. Lastly, be sure to read the therapist’s website and review the terms and conditions of any online therapy service you’re considering.
Easier Communication
Online therapy allows therapists to connect with clients in a way that may feel more comfortable than a traditional in-person session. In-person sessions can feel unnatural at times, especially if the client is nervous or uncomfortable talking about their feelings. In an online video or audio session, the therapist can focus on their client’s responses and ask questions without interrupting. Online therapists also have the option to send their clients written communication between appointments. This type of communication can be helpful to clarify details, set goals, and monitor progress between sessions.
A good online therapist will take time to understand their client’s needs. They should be prepared to explain how online therapy works, what their approach is, and any limitations of the technology. The therapist should also be transparent about their fees and charges. They should also be able to answer questions about insurance coverage.
Choosing the right online therapist can be difficult. Look for markers of professionalism, such as a diploma and licenses, certifications, and awards, or consider using a third-party service that screens providers. When it comes to a therapist-client relationship, you will want someone who makes you feel understood, supported, and cared about. When choosing an online therapist, be open to changing providers if they aren’t a good fit.
Another potential limitation of online therapy is that sessions are dependent on an internet connection, which can sometimes be inconsistent or slow. If you have a poor internet connection, it may be difficult or impossible to attend your scheduled appointment. Additionally, if you and your therapist both use the same platform for video sessions, it can be difficult to coordinate schedules when one of you cancels or can’t make it.
Lastly, some online therapists only offer live video or phone sessions and do not provide unlimited asynchronous messaging. This can be an issue if you have a pressing problem that arises between appointments, as it could take a while to get a response from your therapist. However, if you choose to use a platform like Sesame or Calmerry, which both have unlimited asynchronous messaging, this may be less of an issue.
More Affordable
Many online therapy services ask you to complete a detailed questionnaire before pairing you with a therapist, and this can help ensure that the counselor will be qualified to treat your issues. Some therapists are also part of large online networks and are therefore able to offer sessions at a lower rate than their traditional counterparts. These lower rates are one reason why online therapy has become more affordable in recent years.
When choosing an online therapy service, consider your budget and what virtual communication options you prefer. Some companies allow you to pay a flat fee per session, while others require that you purchase sessions in bulk. If you’re watching your budget, consider using a pay-as-you-go option and scheduling your appointments at the same time each week to build continuity in your therapeutic relationship.
Another factor to consider is whether the online therapy platform of your choice accepts your insurance or offers a sliding-scale option. A growing number of therapists are taking their practices 100% virtual, which allows them to reduce their overhead and pass these savings on to you in the form of reduced fees.
To find an online therapy provider that meets your needs, check out a site like BetterHelp, which connects you with therapists who are licensed psychologists and marriage and family therapists. The site also offers a variety of communication options, including instant messaging and phone or video counseling. Another good option is Inclusive Therapists, a directory that features therapists with diverse backgrounds and specialties.
You’ll also want to make sure your chosen online therapy platform is HIPAA-compliant and provides a secure environment. Additionally, you’ll want to read the company’s privacy policies to learn how it protects your personal information and how it will use it.
Although it may seem intimidating to seek therapy via the Internet, many people have found it helpful to talk with a therapist over the web. The convenience and affordability of online therapy have made it a popular choice for people who struggle to fit traditional in-person sessions into their busy schedules. While it’s important to remember that therapy isn’t a quick fix, research has shown that regular meetings can help people manage their symptoms and live happier lives.